By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council’s senior member, Karen Schmidt, has announced she’s running for a sixth term for the Ward 6 seat representing the city’s west side.
Schmidt’s decision sets the stage for a contest next spring between Schmidt and progressive activist Jenn Carrillo, who announced in April that she’s running for alderman.
In a news release, Schmidt said city government can not continue to raise fees and taxes to balance the budget.
The city faces fiscal deficits requiring a deep understanding of municipal programs and the budget, and a willingness to make difficult choices, according to Schmidt, who’s been in office since 1999.
She said Bloomington is in the midst of significant economic changes with restructuring at State Farm Insurance and the loss of Mitsubishi Motors and its spin-off businesses.
Schmidt called for improving infrastructure, particularly downtown and west Bloomington, and enhancing access to technology citywide.
Schmidt was one of five aldermen in February who called for the controversial welcoming resolution for undocumented immigrants to be taken off a council agenda due in part to concern the proposed ordinance would tie the hands of local police when dealing with federal immigration agents. Two months later, Carrillo announced her candidacy.
Schmidt’s announcement came on the same day another incumbent, Ward 2 Alderman David Sage said he won’t run for a fourth term. Donna Boelen, who at times has been critical of city spending, said she would run for Sage’s seat.
Boelen would face businesswoman and Democratic precinct committeewoman Georgene Chissell to serve the ward covering Bloomington’s southwest side.
Alderman Amelia Buragas has not stated whether she will seek re-election for a second term in Ward 4. Diana Hauman is not running again in Ward 8. The only announced candidate to replace Hauman is McLean County Board member Josh Barnett.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
